Armless musician who played for Pope to perform in Vacaville

Renowned musician Tony Melendez will perform in concert at St. Mary's Catholic Church later this month.

Melendez, who was born with no arms and who started playing guitar with his feet at age 16, captured worldwide attention when he played for Pope John Paul II in 1987 during World Youth Days in Los Angeles.

Melendez will perform locally at 7 p.m. on Feb. 17 at St. Mary's, 350 Stinson Ave. in Vacaville. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets are available at the church rectory, 448-2390, or by calling Karla at 446-1881. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.

A thalidomide baby, Tony was born without arms because his mother was prescribed thalidomide a drug used to help calm morning sickness during her pregnancy. He was brought to the Los Angeles area from Nicaragua to be fitted with artificial arms in his youth. He wore them until he was 10, when he disposed of them. "I didn't feel comfortable," he explains, "I could use my feet so much more."